A box of tools and materials for oil painting, brushes and paint tubes — Building blocks of art Photo: Albin Dahlström / Moderna Museet

Building blocks of art

The artist's materials and tools

Stockholm

“Oil on canvas” is a common description on our signs, but what does this actually mean? Building blocks of art invites you to look at art behind the scenes. To see, feel and try some of the materials and tools that artists use.

Art can be many different things: paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, installations, and even happenings. And yet, most works of art are built with the same elements: ideas that are visualised in various materials and media.

Building blocks of art introduces you to painting, drawing and photography. In our display unit you can explore the materials with your eyes and hands. Get an introduction to the materials that the artists in our collection used to create their works.

Painting

Within painting there are many different techniques, materials and tools. Did you know, for example, that ink painting originally comes from China and …

Painting

Drawing

It is often said that drawing provides the most direct connection between eye and hand. If you have access to pencil and paper, drawing is a quick way …